The juxtaposition in architecture of modern forms with traditional ones often arouses controversy. Designers from the Sopot studio Kruk Rasztawicki Architects faced such a challenge - their task was to restore a historic house from the early 20th century and add a new block to it.
The 
The existing house with the new part is connected by a narrow connector
© Kruk Rasztawicki Architects
The traditional house, covered with a hipped roof, had secondary additions from the 1970s removed, and the window openings, veranda and entrance to the building were reconstructed based on archival documentation. Through a narrow connector, the body of the existing house was connected with the new one - modern in form, although referring to the historic fabric. Architects from Kruk Rasztawicki Architekci studio decided to introduce a two-story structure covered by a traditional gable roof with slightly offset floors. The windows in the added part are thoroughly modern - high and narrow glazing illuminates the rooms located inside - a living room on the first floor and a bedroom on the first floor.
cross-section
© Kruk Rasztawicki Architects
Ola Kloc: What was the priority for the investors?
KrukRasztawicki Architekci: Creating a place to live in a charming neighborhood while preserving the character of a historic residential house from the early 20th century and increasing its volume to meet the needs and functional requirements.
Ola: The extension of the traditional house, although modern, refers in height and roof finish to the existing block. What determined this choice? What inspired you to choose a colorful facade?
Kruk Rasztawicki Architects: The dominant material in the existing fabric was natural-colored ceramic tile, which was used at the time for most fishing houses in the Pomeranian region, and with which the hipped roof of the historic part was covered. The new part was realized, referring to the natural color of ceramics, in a simple form, using contemporary materials. The uniform color of the expanded block, together with a minimalist approach to detailing, gives it a contemporary character that does not dominate the historic part, which has historic details.
elevations
© Kruk Rasztawicki Architects
Ola: What was the most difficult part of this project, and what are you most satisfied with?
KrukRasztawicki Architects: The most difficult element in this project was finding a dialogue between the two parts of the house while maintaining the coherence of the design. An additional complication was the restrictive local plan, with major conservation and urban planning restrictions, which in effect served to create a new architectural form juxtaposed with the historic fabric. This is an example of good cooperation between designer, conservator and investor.
